Individuals who helped stranded motorists during the snowstorms on Haldon Hill in February were thanked by Chudleigh Town Council on Monday.

Chairman Cllr Doug Laing presented certificates to residents who helped some of the 200 people who were rescued from their vehicles.

Many were taken to safety and spent the night at Chudleigh Town Hall.

'We have a lot of people and businesses in the town who helped the motorists,' he said.

'I'd like to thank them.'

The Mid-Devon Advertiser series received a certificate for the coverage it gave.

Journalist Lindsey Sill wrote a detailed report and freelance photographer Alan Craig was on hand to record the events that unfolded.

'It was important we had the media involved,' said Cllr Doug Laing. 'They really served a purpose and let the public know what was going on.'

Insp Dave Knott received a certificate on behalf of Devon and Cornwall Police, who worked around the clock to make sure the situation was resolved quickly and efficiently.

'I know they were doing their job, but I didn't hear them complain at all,' said Cllr Laing.

Colleague PSCO Tina Jordan also received a certificate.

Chudleigh Town Hall estate manager Adrian Martin and caretaker John Bellamy were given certificates.

Residents including Cllr Tim Robbins, Marion Avery, Sheila Fletcher, Jenny Brandon, Trisha Bapty, Sue Laing, Paul Hooten – along with Pam Tuckett and Hazel Proffitt on behalf of St John's Ambulance – were also presented with certificates.

Chudleigh Bakery was also commended: the shop provided milk and bread throughout the night.

'It was a moral booster. I also suggested serving bacon butties, there was never any question of payment,' said Cllr Laing.

Bernard Roder, from Newton Poppleford, was also given a certificate. He was one of the motorists stranded and spent the night at the town hall.

Mr Roder was extremely grateful for the town's efforts and contacted the local press to express his gratitude.

Town council vice-chairman, Cllr Chris Webb, presented the chairman with a certificate.

'He deserves praise for his efforts that evening,' said Cllr Webb.

Many of those rescued gave donations to the council totaling £121. The money has now been passed on to the town's youth club.

'It's an uphill struggle to get funding for the youth club, so every penny is useful,' said Cllr Laing.

County Cllr Jerrry Brook told the council that the helpfulness of residents 'restored his faith in human nature'.